Kansai Tour Itinerary

I am visiting Kansai with wife and two teenage kids in Nov'08. Intend to spend 5 nights (probably in Osaka) and cities to visit include Osaka, Kyoto and Nara. I need some advice on a suitable itinerary for family with kids.

1. Any recomended itinerary ?
2. Where is the best logistic to stay to effectively cover Osaka, Kyoto & Nara ?
3. Any recomended day pass to cover the recomended itinerary to save cost ?
4. Recommended budget hotel / Inn ?

Appreciate any advice. Regards

Any recomended itinerary ?

I recommend to distribute your days onto the different cities based on your personal interests. The following section introduces all the cities:
http://www.japan-guide.com/list/e1105.html

Where is the best logistic to stay to effectively cover Osaka, Kyoto & Nara ?

Osaka, Nara and Kyoto are located in a triangle, all about 30-60 minutes away from each other. Any city will allow you to travel easily to the other two cities. I would make a decision based on which city looks most appealing to you in terms of staying overnight (e.g. dining, night life, if interested).

Any recomended day pass to cover the recomended itinerary to save cost ?

For transportation between the cities, regular fares are likely to come cheapest. Inside Osaka and Kyoto, you might want to consider day passes. I personally would go for a Surutto Kansai prepaid card.

About transportation in Osaka:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4006.html

About transportation in Osaka:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2363.html

Any recomended itinerary ?
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2402_4.html

2. Where is the best logistic to stay to effectively cover Osaka, Kyoto & Nara ?

JR Osaka station area is the most convenient if you dont mind the room rates at all. If you do, choose some hotels and ask. It's a bit hard to take up one area since there is not so big difference as long as you stay in central Osaka.

**I am visiting Kansai with wife and two teenage kids in Nov'08. Intend to spend 5 nights (probably in Osaka) and cities to visit include Osaka, Kyoto and Nara. I need some advice on a suitable itinerary for family with kids.**

**1. Any recomended itinerary ?**

Day 1) Arrival/ Get around Minami (Namba) Area in Osaka.

Day 2 and 3) Travel to Kyoto
Catch the Keihan Line from Yodoyabashi or Hankyu Line from Umeda.

Day 4) Day trip to Nara
Catch the Kintetsu Line from Namba.

Day 5) Get around Osaka.
If you go to the Aquarium, you might purchase the addmission ticket and Osaka Subway one day ticket combo for 2,400 yen.

**2. Where is the best logistic to stay to effectively cover Osaka, Kyoto & Nara ?**

Taking also airport access into account, Namba (Minami) would fit the bill. To get to Yodoyabashi or Umeda, take the Subway Midosuji Line. Frequently run.

KIX access info:
Train: http://gutereise09.blogspot.com/2008/09/info-on-nankai-line-...
Limousine bus: http://gutereise09.blogspot.com/2008/09/limousine-bus-from-k...

**3. Any recomended day pass to cover the recomended itinerary to save cost ?**

Two-day Kansai Thru Pass would be a good idea for trips to Kyoto.
http://www.surutto.com/conts/ticket/3dayeng/

If your flight leaves late in the evening, you can make a day trip to Himeji to see the magnificent castle.
http://gutereise09.blogspot.com/2008/10/visit-to-himeji-cast...

Purcahse the JR West Kansai Pass for 2,000yen. Transport to KIX can also be covered.
http://gutereise09.blogspot.com/2008/09/japan-railpass-valid...

**4. Recommended budget hotel / Inn ?**

http://www.dotonbori-h.co.jp/english/index.html


http://www.hotelpricefinder.com/